Longnit Tragedy: Fire Destroys 2 House, and Shops

A devastating fire broke out in the Longnit area on October 2 at around 6:30 PM, reducing two house, eight rooms, and two shop belonging to Krishna, son of Sonalal, to ashes. The incident has left the family and locals in shock, as the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain.

According to eyewitnesses, the blaze spread rapidly and engulfed the structures before any preventive measures could be taken. While some residents claimed that a candle or electric short-circuit might have triggered the fire, others alleged that it could have been deliberately set. However, no official confirmation has been made so far.

Upon receiving information, police personnel from the Manja Police Station rushed to the spot. However, the fire brigade team from Diphu reportedly reached the area only around 9:00 PM—by which time locals had almost managed to control the fire themselves. This delay further angered residents, who expressed frustration and reportedly stopped the fire service vehicle from accessing the site immediately.

Local people have also raised concerns over the lack of a fire brigade station in Manja. Currently, fire services are dispatched from Diphu, which takes considerable time, often resulting in major losses during emergencies. Residents have long been demanding the establishment of a dedicated fire brigade unit in Manja to ensure quicker response in such situations.

No casualties have been reported in the incident, but the loss of property is estimated to be significant. The police have launched an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.

Authorities have urged people not to speculate and assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, the affected family has sought assistance to rebuild their lives after the tragic loss.